Women’s Aid praise Love Island viewers for concerns over Joe’s ‘unhealthy behaviour’ towards Lucie – as over 300 people complain to Ofcom
LOVE Island viewers were horrified last night when Joe Garratt gave Lucie Donlan a telling off for talking to other boys in the villa.
And now a leading domestic violence charity has praised fans of the show for complaining to Ofcom about Joe's "possessive" behaviour.
Stunned viewers saw the surfer break down in tears as Joe turned on her for befriending boxer Tommy Fury.
He told her: "I'm not happy with it. It's strange. I think it's time for you to get close with the girls."
Fans didn't like his controlling language and Ofcom has received 302 complaints about Lucie's treatment at the hands of other Islanders so far.
"Controlling behaviour is never acceptable, and with Love Island viewers complaining to Ofcom in record numbers about Joe's possessive behaviour towards Lucie, more people are becoming aware of this and want to challenge it," Adina Claire, Co-Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said.
"Abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control, so it’s important that it is recognised at an early stage.
"Love Island viewers are now very vocal in calling out unhealthy behaviour between couples on the show, and this is a positive development."
After receiving 302 complaints about the treatment of Lucie by the other contestants, the media standards watchdog is now deciding whether to investigate.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “We will assess these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”
Earlier this week, Joe was left furious as Lucie appeared to flirt with Tommy Fury.
He told Amber: "She was just there with the girls and then they started whispering and she walked away. Like, I can see it."
Last year Adam Collard raised concerns about his "gaslighting" behaviour towards Rosie Williams.
He was slammed by viewers for his treatment of his partner and Women's Aid urged fans to recognise the signs of emotional abuse.
The pair had an explosive confrontation in the show after Adam began wooing new girl Zara even though he was coupled up with Rosie.
Fans slammed the personal trainer for smirking throughout the argument and leaving her in tears.
"There are clear warning signs in Adam’s behaviour," Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said at the time.
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"In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory of events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse."
The charity advises that if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, call the Freephone 24/7 National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women’s Aid in partnership with Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.womensaid.org.uk.
